Portsmouth vs Wigan Prediction & Betting Tips - League One

Prediction published on 18/04/2024, 10:00  by Nella Wagah | Modified on 20/04/2024 at 02:00 in Football Predictions

Portsmouth will be looking to give their successful League One campaign a strong finish when they host Wigan on Saturday. All is settled for the two teams going into this game, Wigan securing their League One spot and Portsmouth promotion. Needing just a point to secure the League One title, Portsmouth had to sweat it out in the last game. Two late goals enabled them rise from impending defeat to beat Barnsley 3-2 at home. Connor Shaughnessy’s 89th minute winner sent wild celebrations at Fratton Park as Pompey ended their 12-year wait for a return to the Championship. Going into their final home game of the season, things will definitely be calmer as they seek a strong final showing for their fans. The Pompey turnaround has been real, with things improving right after that January home loss to Leyton Orient. That was their second straight league loss, but John Mousinho’s charges went on a 17-game unbeaten run to secure promotion. In that run, they only dropped points in five matches. At home, they played eight matches since the Leyton Orient loss, bagging 22 of the available 24 points. In this run of form, it is highly unlikely they will finish on a low, given their recent dominance over Wigan.

In the first meeting between these two sides this season, Wigan Athletic let their lead slip and suffered a 2-1 loss. It was the second straight game against Portsmouth that this happened, though this time they had a man sent off. This isn’t a fixture they’ve dominated, losing four of the last six meetings. Fortunately for the visitors, they don’t have much to play for, as their place in League One is secure for the coming season. At 56 points, they are 15 points above the drop zone with two matches to play. The Latics do not carry a strong run to this game either. In their last five matches, they have one win, that coming in their most recent game, 2-1 away to Lincoln City. This win also ended Wigan’s four-match winless away run in the league. Prior to it, they had suffered three defeats in four away League One matches. In 14 away League One matches, Wigan have now managed three wins and have one clean sheet. The few clean sheets aside, Wigan will be worried at the amount of goals they’ve been letting in on their travels. The visitors conceded more than a goal in seven of the last 12 away league matches.